Tether Petition

[Wildcat Willy]

My experience

Beginning of Dec '13 I came over backwards on a short little nothing climb because of a woop and a void in the snow from a tree top. I ended up head down in my trench, my 2011 M8 rolled on top of me and with the bars upright the throttle stayed pinned for 5 seconds, long enough to destroy my brand new jacket, the side of my pack and dig 1/2" into my left arm. If it had kept spinning the track at 80mph it would have taken my left arm and I might have bled out, it took 5 hrs to get to the hospital. End of sledding that weekend, missed 3 days of work to monitor for compartment syndrome, missed the following weekend of sledding and had to get overgrowing tissue coming out of the wound burned off... WEAR A TETHER! The dumb part is I didn't start wearing one after my dad's riding buddy got tangled up in a tree with his yamaha and needed reconstructive surgery to repair his quad(the muscle, not a 4 wheeler).

 

[Reeb]

I have never seen personal injury on a firsthand basis. But I have paid the bill for a uninsured sled that went WFO down a hill and into a forest of trees. And another I witnessed went WFO into 3 trees which exploded the sled like fireworks.

It's not often, but it happens, and I refuse to let it happen to me again.

 

[Momma]

Tethers sound like a good idea and I would probably use one if it were installed on my sled. However, I'm curious about the statistics. How many injuries occur in a given season because of lack of tethers per lets say every 1000 snowmobilers? How would this compare to the number of injuries people receive from not wearing a helmet? Or excessive speed? Or lack of training?
There's been a lot of comments from people saying they've seen injuries from the absence of tethers, I never have but I've seen injuries from other causes and the whole idea seems like a potential slippery slope in a quest to raise safety.

I think there are a couple of ways to look at the tether petition.
1. If it is installed from the factory, more people would have access to the technology. Some may choose to use the tether, some may not, but having the tether accessible is a start.
2. Some may have seen injury, or runaway sleds first hand. Many others have seen the potential for injury, several times per season. One scenario which happens quite often, going to rip a steep sidehill, throttle hand slips off the handlebar causing the rider to lose the sidehill. As the sled tips back, so does the rider, thrown from the sled, as the sled then follows the riders somersault rolling over. The throttle side is stuck in the snow, the track spins out of control and the rider, is hopefully not trapped under. If not trapped, the rider races to the sled, as the WFO sled revs and spins uncontrollably till the rider can either reach the key or the kill switch which can become buried beneath the snow. That would be witnessing the potential for bodily harm or death.
For those who have signed the petition, thank you. I don't believe we are Forcing the manufacturers to put a tether on the machines. I believe we are letting them know, amidst horsepower and lightweightedness we also value safety. The above scenario was mine. I figured I was super Trish one day, as my husband let me play on his Turboed M8 162. That spinning track humbled me quite quickly. Again, signatures are appreciated, but so is the feedback from the peeps who are not in favour. I love to gain complete understanding before I write my articles. To me safety should be a choice, albeit a wise choice, but a choice none the less.

 

[Laundryboy]

I don't necessarily disagree with what you've said but I do believe that short of some law requiring them to do so, a manufacturer is going to require some compelling statistical data to get them to make tethers standard equipment. I'm just curious what those numbers may be?

 

[Laundryboy]

I have never seen personal injury on a firsthand basis. But I have paid the bill for a uninsured sled that went WFO down a hill and into a forest of trees. And another I witnessed went WFO into 3 trees which exploded the sled like fireworks.

It's not often, but it happens, and I refuse to let it happen to me again.

That's what I'd call a compelling argument in favor of tethers. If my memory is right, I think my first sled, a 1980 Ski Doo Blizzard had a tether. Is Ski Doo the only oem that's ever put tethers on their sleds?

 

[mike_s]

I don't necessarily disagree with what you've said but I do believe that short of some law requiring them to do so, a manufacturer is going to require some compelling statistical data to get them to make tethers standard equipment. I'm just curious what those numbers may be?

Is there a law mandating a handlebar mounted kill switch? Isnt the keyswitch good enough? Why would the mfr. put a bar mounted killswitch on if you could just reach down and spin the key? On that note, why would they put a keyswitch on instead of just a killswitch? I tend to believe its because its what WE wanted. They build these machines to be what we want to the best of their abilities. If we show them enough demand for tethers, they will start incorperating them. How much demand do we need? Guess we'll find out.

On a side note, i actually replaced my keyswitch with a tether. Id rather have the safety than a key that can be hotwired in under a minute anyways.

 

[R J]

RJ could you elaborate more on your position for me? While I believe whole heartedly that Tethers can save injury, and possible death, I would like to fully understand your position.
What type of riding do you do? How often do you ride? What safety precautions as a rider do you take to ensure safety? Have you had any accidents or been in a position where someone was injured riding.
What is your age? Do you have kids?

You can pm me if you'd feel more comfortable, and I don't need to know your name for the article.

thanks!

Trish

Age 40, 2 kids (8 and 3) and married. Been riding since the early 80's when I was about 8. I got my first sled (1980 enticer 250). Been riding ever since. Mountains since 1990 with a mix of Midwest trails of course. Since 1998 have only bought mountain sleds from Ski-Doo (with tether) and Polaris which I have currently. I did race in the Heartland Series in the mid 90's where a tether was mandatory. I have had two big accidents, one when I was young and came off the sled and hit a tree with an open face helmet which I have a scar on my chin. (long enough for 17 stitches and a concussion with a night in the hospital). The other was 2010 at Togwotee where I came over a rise and there was a wind blown area creating a giant hole that I went head on into at about 30-40. I was catapulted forward and busted the steering post with my legs and landed more than 50' from the sled. Neither of those situations a tether would have helped.

I don't do a lot of hill climbing or high marking when riding out west. I usually ride in the meadows or pick my way through the trees looking for more untouched areas. My accidents would most likely be hitting a tree or having the sled roll on a side hill. It's possible that I could get rolled over by the sled but again the tether is only going to stop the engine, it's not going to put on the brakes for you or stop the roll. Getting pinned under the sled and having the throttle stick are possible but I don't see that happening based on my previous situations.

It is like seat belts in cars, it's like the motorcycle helmet use, it's choice and I'm one that doesn't feel things should be mandated and if they are, ok, I'll still choose but I'm not going to be beating the drums for any mandate of any kind.

 

[frock]

Tried to sign petition twice, "error please try again later"

 

[Norway]

Age 40, 2 kids (8 and 3) and married. Been riding since the early 80's when I was about 8. I got my first sled (1980 enticer 250). Been riding ever since. Mountains since 1990 with a mix of Midwest trails of course. Since 1998 have only bought mountain sleds from Ski-Doo (with tether) and Polaris which I have currently. I did race in the Heartland Series in the mid 90's where a tether was mandatory. I have had two big accidents, one when I was young and came off the sled and hit a tree with an open face helmet which I have a scar on my chin. (long enough for 17 stitches and a concussion with a night in the hospital). The other was 2010 at Togwotee where I came over a rise and there was a wind blown area creating a giant hole that I went head on into at about 30-40. I was catapulted forward and busted the steering post with my legs and landed more than 50' from the sled. Neither of those situations a tether would have helped.

I don't do a lot of hill climbing or high marking when riding out west. I usually ride in the meadows or pick my way through the trees looking for more untouched areas. My accidents would most likely be hitting a tree or having the sled roll on a side hill. It's possible that I could get rolled over by the sled but again the tether is only going to stop the engine, it's not going to put on the brakes for you or stop the roll. Getting pinned under the sled and having the throttle stick are possible but I don't see that happening based on my previous situations.

It is like seat belts in cars, it's like the motorcycle helmet use, it's choice and I'm one that doesn't feel things should be mandated and if they are, ok, I'll still choose but I'm not going to be beating the drums for any mandate of any kind.

Statistically, no I guess it does not happen to often. But when it does the result can be pretty scary..

Not gonna whine to you, but watch this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3mgEl3YLVQ

 

[gunnerthesnowman]

Done

 

[sdsnocop]

Just investigated an accident yesterday where a rider on a 14 XM was coming down a steep hill, hit a rock, did an end over end. Rider was thrown (not wearing a tether), sled landed upright throttle stuck (I believe from left hand throttle), shot across the trail and down to the bottom of a steep canyon finally stopping at a tree. No one was hurt except for the sled which is still at the bottom of the canyon. I had investigated two others I can recall involving tethers. One was a Skidoo that the throttle stuck open and hit a tree without a rider and a second where a rider went off a trail curve. The sled landed upside down with the track still spinning. The rider landed on the spinning track sucking his leg between the track and the tunnel breaking his femur. Luckily it was an old carbed sled and it shut off right away. Bystanders had to remove the skid to extract him from the sled.

 

[Modedmach1]

I agree tethers save lives... but

I believe it should be left as a CHOICE.

If the factories want to do it ....great..... but petitioning
to force them to do it.....wrong.

I agree with this.. My wife & I wear tethers. I think they should be worn. I don't however think we need to mandate the manufactures to put the on sleds.

I feel people should take some responsiblity, if you want a tether put one on. It takes very little time to install them. If you don't have the know how to do it, have your dealer install one when you buy the sled.

If you don't want one, don't install it.
We are all adults & should be able to make a simple decision. Right, wrong or indifferent & I don't feel people should get flamed for their personal decision on wether to wear one or not.. My .02 Josh

 

[Trashy]

I think a lot of people are missing the point here.

This isn't about RIGHTS.

It is about the manufacturer supplying a snowmobile to the general public that is factory equipped with a reliable, well designed, properly engineered and well thought out SAFETY device. Properly installed. At your finger tips.

The CHOICE then becomes yours whether you choose to use it or not.

Let's face it, at the manufacturer level we are talking pennies per unit. And I guarantee you, if it is on the sled MORE PEOPLE WILL BE USING THEM. I really feel this is in the industry's best interest.

 

[BLITZKRIEG]

another .02 cents

I think its perfectly clear that tethers save life & should always
be used.

Trashcat this isnt about rights...its about people trying to push
their values & personnel agendas on the rest of us in the
name of "safety."
Whats next........a petition to ban all 2 strokes to reduce air
pollution to "save lives?" Same difference.

 

[Momma]

I think its perfectly clear that tethers save life & should always
be used.

Trashcat this isnt about rights...its about people trying to push
their values & personnel agendas on the rest of us in the
name of "safety."
Whats next........a petition to ban all 2 strokes to reduce air
pollution to "save lives?" Same difference.

Hmm.. Personal agenda????
I want to rule the world by starting a Petition for safety.... muh ha ha haaaaaaaaaa rub hands together.

What if... the manufacturers listened to what we said. Safety is something that benefits us all, as does a positive public image. It's fine if you don't think the petition is a good thing. don't sign. I have heard first hand from so many people wondering why doo is the only manufacturer to supply tethers. I have also heard from those who simply didn't know any better, that was me at one time. As we grow the sport, I believe we need to lend forth a hand of mentoring to those just beginning their journey on snowmobiles. What's next you ask? I'm not sure.. what would you like to be supplied with your sleds.
I LOVE the MSRP of snowmobiles today and LOVE to pay extra for necessities said no one ever. I believe that Tethers save lives, injury, and sleds. I also believe there would be more quality control if they came straight from the manufacturer. It's sad, working in sales, some of the peeps purchasing sleds would spend a few hundred bucks on a wrap before purchasing a tether, newer beacon or quality gear. IF the tethers are supplied, I'm hoping we'd have more of a chance for people to use them, and also to realize just how important they are.
That is why I am doing this. It costs them dollars, but costs us between 30 and 150 bucks to put them on ourselves.

The Manufacturer I talked to was impressed by an organized voice representing a wide demographic of riders who basically are telling them what is important. It is good to be safe.

 

[Momma]

OOOO and one more thing ( I'm a girl, we have lots to say).. I think it is valuable in another way. In their attempt to maximize margins, and save costs, I think it is important to let manufacturers know that safety is not negotiable or disposable.
There is an element of common sense we can request, instead of paying extra for I figure.

this is not a big political Do what I say or I'll take my ball and go home, it's more like a .. hey we're the average rider, and we dig safety.

 

[mike_s]

I think its perfectly clear that tethers save life & should always
be used.

Trashcat this isnt about rights...its about people trying to push
their values & personnel agendas on the rest of us in the
name of "safety."
Whats next........a petition to ban all 2 strokes to reduce air
pollution to "save lives?" Same difference.

Given this line of thinking, we would still be riding sleds with a single butterfly carb and a 100 inch slick track. To sell product, you make product that people want. If people dont let you know what they want (through sales, surveys, or, imagine this, petitions) then the product never changes. What if your snowmobile had no seat? Wouldnt you like it if the mfrs would put them on? They are much more comefy...but they dont put them on for whatever reason. Wouldnt you let them know that their product would be much better with a seat?

 

[Laundryboy]

If this petition doesn't do the trick maybe you can influence some new eager Congressman to introduce some legislation to make it law. It is in the interest of safety after all. While we're at it, I think anti-lock braking is something that could possibly be worth further consideration. Tip over warning sensors and of course helmets should not be left to an adult riders discretion, they should be compulsory. More injuries could be prevented by requiring all operators to complete a training program than anything else so why not petition for that too? The whole thing is a slippery slope.

 

[Momma]

If this petition doesn't do the trick maybe you can influence some new eager Congressman to introduce some legislation to make it law. It is in the interest of safety after all. While we're at it, I think anti-lock braking is something that could possibly be worth further consideration. Tip over warning sensors and of course helmets should not be left to an adult riders discretion, they should be compulsory. More injuries could be prevented by requiring all operators to complete a training program than anything else so why not petition for that too? The whole thing is a slippery slope.

wooooo sahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh there sir.

Pretty sure no one is saying it should be Mandatory to wear them, simply that it would be so incredibly wonderful to have this piece of equipment we usually go out and buy aftermarket.. except for you I assume as you have the doo logo as part of your avatar... and people can be free to use or not use them.....
and live.. happily ever after.... without spending extra money


The end.

 

[Momma]

Annnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnd (I'm a girl.. here it comes again) If we can help each other stay safe, and boost our numbers and lessen accidents and death through education.. imposing and restrictive laws will NOT be made to try to "manage" us by those who have an alternative agenda... The Y2Y corridor for example.. trying to make us all seem like hooligans and land rapists so they can get some kind of green corridor between Yellowstone and the Yukon.
Our accidents could be used against us.. Which is why minimizing injury and death within our sport helps us grow in strength, public perception... and yes.... even political favour... how many times have you heard.. ooo snowmobiling is "extreme" "dangerous" Can you imagine, if we weren't looked at as the bad guy/girl anymore.. who would they blame for Grizzlies, Caribou, Global Warming, Grandma's bunt cake falling.... .etc....